Q: What is your primary area of study/research?A: Synthetic biology and immunotherapy

Q: What influenced your decision to embark on a research career?A: I grew up with a grandfather who relished (and still relishes) building complex mechanical systems, and who was confident that he could overcome any challenge thrown his way. He showed me problem-solving in action, and helped me build the foundation for scientific thinking. When I started doing actual research in college, first focusing on cell-free protein synthesis in Prof. James Swartz’s lab at Stanford, I realized that the research lab is a place where I would find happiness and an immense sense of satisfaction.

Q; What excites you most about your research area?A: Cell-based immunotherapy has shown early promise to transform cancer treatment, but many obstacles remain to be addressed before it can become the front-line treatment option for a variety of cancers. I am very excited by the potential of applying biomolecular engineering and synthetic biology to the development of safer and more efficacious immunotherapies, which can be made widely available to patients in need.

Q: What are your hobbies or passions outside of work?A: Watching old movies, traveling (usually mixed with work), and reading about world history.